Group 10 and Western Rams Representative Cluster titles, just like bread and butter, shoes and socks or Simon and Garfunkel the two just seem to go hand-in-hand.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s no wonder really, considering the sky blues have maintained a five-year stranglehold on the annual tournament’s inception back in 2013. In fact, Group 10 is the only side to have won Western’s league tag title.
That run was extended to five consecutive titles in last year’s comprehensive, 30-10 decider win over Castlereagh-Barwon League at Parkes’ Pioneer Oval and, considering all that, you’d think new Group 10 captain-coach Monique Christie-Johnston would be super-confident of her outfit claiming a sixth straight win in Saturday’s 2018 tournament, at Bathurst St Pat’s new home ground.
She’s not, though. Well, not entirely anyway.
She knows she has a scintillating side at her disposal but she’s still feeling the heat – just a touch.
“There’s definitely some pressure there,” Christie-Johnston laughed.
“It’s been a very successful side since league tag started. We’re definitely looking to continue on in that manner.”
Christie-Johnston has named a stack of experience in her side for this weekend, with eight members of the Western team that progressed through to the league tag country championship semi-final last year selected for Group 10.
The key ingredient mixed in among that group?
Speed, and plenty of it.
“When we went away with Rams last year there was speed everywhere in the other sides,” Christie-Johnston said.
“We based selections on that this year and getting through the middle of other teams.”
Orange Hawks’ guns Bec Ford and Ella-J Harris have expectedly been named, while Holly Gibson is Orange CYMS’ lone representative. Blayney’s Sophie and Abby Stammers also made the cut, while former Hawks and now Bathurst St Pat’s speedster Erin Naden will line up on the wing.
Bathurst Panthers’ sisters Kaitlyn and Lailee Phillips, also former two blues, will both suit up as well.
But even so, considering how much league tag and the women’s tackle game comes along each year, Group 10’s mentor knows keeping the run intact will be a huge challenge.
“Each group and other areas are improving every year. We’re excited to be going and playing but it’s going to be tough,” she added.
Group 10’s first game is at 10.30am against a Woodbridge Cup outfit boasting a number of speedy players, namely incumbent Rams winger Heidi Regan.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
